Community Programs

The YMCA is much more than a provider of health and fitness programs; we are an organisation committed to strengthening communities through developing young people, creating stronger families and helping those less fortunate.

Other Programs

Find Other Programs at my local Y

YMCA Brightside

YMCA Brightside Mental Health & Wellbeing

Almost half of all Australians will experience a mental illness at some point in their lifetime.The Y’s Brightside program offers opportunities for people with a mental illness to improve their physical, social and mental health and wellbeing. The program offers free and unlimited access to a Y facility for 60 days, as well as a customised exercise program and one-on-one support.

People affected by mental illness often experience weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood glucose levels. A wealth of research points to the positive effect of exercise on mental wellbeing, namely by reducing stress, increasing energy levels and improving self-esteem and confidence.YMCA Brightside Mental Health & Wellbeing program was established based on this research and promotes exercise as a recovery mechanism for people with a mental illness. The program offers free and unlimited access to a Y facility for 60 days, as well as a customised exercise program and one-on-one support. Designed in collaboration with Suicide Prevention Australia and the Black Dog Institute, the Y’s Brightside program has assisted over 500 people since it began in 2009.

The program also won the 2010 award for Innovation in Service Delivery from the Mental Health Association of NSW Health.

How YMCA Brightside Works

Referral

New participants are accepted through self-referral, referral from a carer or referral from adoctor, social worker, psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional.

The Y may request that individuals who have self-referred also provide a referralconfirmation from their doctor, mental health professional or social worker to ensurewe are providing the best possible care and the right program for each individual.The referral form at the back of this brochure can be faxed or emailed to YMCA NSW oryour local Y Brightside location.

We’ll call you

Once the form is received, a Brightside program leader will contact the referrer to discussthe program in detail and confirm it will be of benefit to the patient.

If we can help, the program leader will arrange the first meeting and introduction to the Y forthe participant and continue to work with the referrer to provide complete support.

First visit

A first-time visit to a gym can be a daunting experience for anyone. We arrange for aprogram leader to personally meet and greet the participant for a full orientation, whichwill include a tour of the Y, a general health questionnaire, goal-setting and a fitnessconsultation to determine the best personalised exercise program for the participant.

Begin the journey

Each following visit to the Y allows the participant to speak with the program leader abouttheir progress. The program can be adapted as required.

Additionally, this contact will allow for more guided sessions on specific equipment, anopportunity to learn new exercise techniques and, importantly, assistance in maintainingmotivation.

Program review

At the end of 60 days, the program leader will meet with the participant to review theprogram and explore options to continue exercising at the Y. The program leader will alsoask participants to complete a brief questionnaire to be shared with the referring healthprofessional.

We Care

We seek regular input from referring health professionals to interpret each participant’sassessments and gauge the impact of the program on their life. At all stages, our primaryfocus is the health and wellbeing of the individual. We take all necessary carein this matter and highly value discretion and their right to privacy.

YMCA Integrated Recreation

By connecting adults with physical and intellectual disabilities to mainstream community
groups and experiences, this innovative program builds social networks and independent
living skills. Fun is had by all who share the activities, which range from bowling and picnics to
holidays and camps.

Fee Assistance

The YMCA is committed to overcoming disadvantage and making healthy lifestyles accessible to all people, regardless of their age, race, ability or financial capacity. At the YMCA we will proactively provide access and opportunity to Indigenous Australians, the aged, the disabled and those suffering financial hardship through our Fee Assistance program.

NDIS Provider

As of the 1st of July 2016, YMCA NSW is a registered NDIS Provider. We are currently offering Flexible Respite and Integrated Respite programs under the NDIS, however there will be many more to come! Watch this space!